Document Type

Restricted

Advisor

Ronald Flored

Publication Date

2025

Comments

Access to this paper is restricted to the Connecticut College campus.

Abstract

Campus-community partnerships (CCPs) are collaborative initiatives between academic institutions and local communities that foster cultural competence, address community needs, and have the potential to promote social change. These partnerships provide mutual benefits through reciprocity and shared growth while bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world practice. While the growing emphasis on community engagement in higher education has led to a significant increase in CCPs over the years, the relationship between student outcomes and community partner outcomes remains a critical area of inquiry. Key questions include: Do students and community partners benefit equally? How do student outcomes, such as skill development and increased civic engagement, align with or complement community partner outcomes like increased organizational capacity and access to resources? This study examines these dynamics through the lens of the Holleran Center for Community Action at Connecticut College, focusing on the mutual benefits and challenges encountered by students and community partners in the partnerships facilitated by the Holleran Center. By situating the Holleran Center’s initiatives within these theoretical contexts, the study evaluates how such partnerships can prioritize sustainable and equitable outcomes. Ultimately, the research seeks to contribute to the discourse on best practices for cultivating authentic, mutually beneficial relationships between academic institutions and communities, thereby advancing both educational and social justice objectives.

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The views expressed in this paper are solely those of the author.